Children's Home run by Portsmouth City Council in Portsmouth

Unique reference number SC037588 Inspection date 24/01/2014 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is registered for a maximum of six young people between the ages of five and under 18 years. It is owned by a city council and provides short-term placements for young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as being good; however, two recommendations were made in order to further improve the quality of the provision and ensure compliance with regulations and standards. It was recommended staff introduce a system that demonstrates the progress and development each young person makes during their visits. Staff have responded positively and daily reports that detail all activities undertaken are now produced for all parents/guardians. As there are now more able-bodied young people with autistic spectrum disorders accessing the service, a second recommendation was made relating to the risks associated with off-site activities. Staff are in the process of developing photo-identity cards that contain key information on each young person. These cards will be taken by staff on all outings and provide an immediate reference in the unlikely event of a young person going missing.

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Progress

A number of young people who now regularly visit the home can, due to their autism, display challenging behaviour. Staff are clearly aware of the need to ensure the safety of all the young people in their care and the composition of each resident group is carefully monitored. Staff have developed individual behaviour management plans that provides staff with clear guidance on how to keep young people safe. A number of young people have medical conditions, such as epilepsy that require staff to monitor them on an on-going basis. In order to minimise disruption small discreet cameras are now used by night staff to monitor young people when asleep. Cameras are only used with the written approval of parents/guardians

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Progress

Redecoration and refurbishment of the home is on-going and a number of bedrooms have been redecorated since the last inspection. A tour of the premises indicated the home was clean, tidy and in good decorative order. Recent structural changes have proved extremely successful and the open-plan nature of the home promotes inclusivity.

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Progress

The home operates with an experienced and stable staff team who increase their knowledge and skills on an on-going basis. Members of staff are fully involved in the homes development and are involved in reviewing existing policies and working practices. Effective liaison with parents/guardians and school staff has led to a more consistent approach to communication and behaviour management. Staff continue to explore more effective forms of communication with young people who experience speech difficulties. A number of young people are now using computer tablets to convey their views to staff.

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Progress

Evidence indicates the home provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. The stimulating social and recreational activities individuals experience during their respite stays contribute significantly to the attainment of existing developmental goals. No requirements were identified during the inspection and the only recommendation is to complete the work started to fulfil the off-site-activities recommendation of the last inspection.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 complete the introduction of the personal details document for each young person that will be taken with them on all off-site activities and used in the event of them going missing. (NMS 5.1)

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection.

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